Getting Florida Food in Florida Food Banks

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced a groundbreaking partnership between the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Feeding Florida to enhance the availability of fresh, protein-rich Florida products in food banks statewide. For the first time, increased funding will allow Florida food banks to source surplus beef, eggs, and dairy products, which are typically the most difficult and costly commodities to obtain.

Commissioner Simpson highlighted the initiative as a triple win for the state, supporting food banks, aiding Floridians in need, and providing a critical market for Florida farmers and ranchers. The collaboration strengthens food security by ensuring high-quality, Florida-grown products reach those who need them most.

Historically, Florida's agriculture community has supported food banks through donations and discounted sales. This initiative builds on that legacy by increasing the reimbursement rate Feeding Florida can receive for procuring these essential products, aligning it more closely with actual costs.

The partnership was enabled by a $6.5 million appropriation from the Florida Legislature. Feeding Florida, the state’s only food bank network, provided over 412 million pounds of food last year, including 51 million of Florida-grown produce and proteins.